Victoria’s rooftop solar “revolution” kicks off today

July 1, 2019

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio. Image: Takver via Flickr

The Victorian Government says its solar “revolution” takes off from today with thousands of new solar panels, batteries and hot water systems to be installed on houses across the state – boosting energy supply, creating jobs and slashing power bills.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
officially launched the Victorian Government’s landmark Solar Homes program today. The $1.3 billion program will help
770,000 households invest in solar while creating 5500 new jobs and slashing
carbon emissions.

This financial year Solar Homes will
support 49,000 installations, including 42,000 rooftop solar systems on 40,000
owner-occupied homes and 2000 for rented homes.

The rebates for solar panels will be
released each month to ensure the program is allocated fairly, rolled out
safely and provides certainty for the solar industry.

For the first time, 1000 rebates will be available for solar storage batteries, to be rolled out in targeted areas in three groups – 200 from July 1, 400 from November 1 and 400 from March 1.

Rebates for solar hot water systems will
also continue to be available for those who haven’t already accessed a rebate
through the program – with 6000 allocated this financial year.

No-interest loans for solar panels will
also be available to further drive down up-front costs.

Victorians wishing to participate in the
Solar Homes program must to get
at least one quote from an approved solar retailer, before confirming their
eligibility through an online portal.

This streamlined application process will allow installations to occur faster and provide consumers with a discount of up to $2225 off their invoice from their solar retailer. The no-interest loan for solar panels will also be offered at the point of sale, matching the rebate amount.

More than 32,000 households are already
saving on their electricity bills through the Solar Homes program – while also doing their part to tackle
climate change and create new jobs in the solar industry.

Minister for
Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio says, “This landmark program will boost energy supply, create thousands of
jobs and slash power bills for families across the state.

“With more
rebates and now optional no-interest loans on the table, we’re further reducing
the up-front costs to make solar more accessible to Victorians from all across
the state.”